There are quite a few interesting links and snippets around this morning, so here, without further ado, is the latest instalment of Climate Cuttings.
Ars Technica uses CRU data difficulties to kick off an article about the problems academics have in storing their raw materials. I'm not sure that this excuses CRU, who of course had access to plenty of data repositories.
Also on the subject of openness, John Graham-Cumming returns to the subject of code availability, knocking back some of the arguments that are made against such transparency.
Justin Loew looks at the Cuccinelli's demands to see Michael Mann's emails and concludes that the great man should just bite the bullet.
If I had to guess, I would say the emails contain similar comments to what was found in the Climagate emails. Thinking that their emails were secure, Mann and a few coleagues “talked like people talk” when they are in private, discussing their problems, their enemies, their true feelings. I doubt there is any other major evidence of fraud, manipulation of data, or supression of alternate theories over and above what was found through the Climategate release. It would most likely be a personal embarassment for the researchers involved – which would be emotionally painful. My advice: release the emails now and get it overwith. Prolonging the fight will only prolong the agony and fuel the skeptics. Mann can prove he is a better person (than his critics) and a honorable scientist by letting the world see – warts and all.
Interesting to see interest in the subject of Climategate from the Philosophy of Science Association Biennial Meeting. They seem to be struggling with the facts rather, with one participant claiming that "It was not that the scientists feared that bad science would be revealed if the data were shared". The same speaker also claims that the most serious charges were over lack of openness. Given that there were allegations of fraud and fabrication, this idea seems to be somewhat divorced from reality. The report on the PSA meeting is very interesting, although there is much to take issue with.
Hans Labohm has an article in the Washington Times looking at the change in public opinion on climate change among Europeans.
And how else could I leave you except with the latest from Minnesotans for Global Warming? Have a nice weekend.